Playing in their first-ever WIAA state championship game and their first title contest in 20 years, the Chippewa Falls McDonell football team could not capture another gold ball, losing 27-15 to defending state champ Burlington Catholic Central in the Division 7 state title game Thursday afternoon.

Catholic Central running back Rex Morrow added the first score of the game on a 28-yard touchdown run to give the Hilltoppers the early 7-0 lead. With just under 10 minutes to play in the half, Hilltoppers quarterback Brian Fliess added a 21-yard touchdown run to increase the score 14-0.

Macks running back Alex Hiess pulled McDonell back within a touchdown on the ensuing possession, plunging into the end zone from two yards out to make the score 14-7 in favor of the Hilltoppers.

With Catholic Central's offense controlling the ball throughout the third, Fliess added his second score of the day on a 18-yard touchdown run late in the period to put the Hilltoppers ahead 21-7.

Throughout the second half, the Macks were unable to capitalize on possessions inside Catholic Central territory. The Hilltoppers, however, would put the game away late in the fourth quarter with Fliess' third touchdown of the game, a score increasing his team's lead to 27-7.

Macks running back Luke Ryba would add a 68-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion on the ensuing possession, closing the gap to 27-15 to end the game.

Watch WEAU 13 News and log on to weau.com throughout the day Thursday for complete coverage of the WIAA Division 5, 6 and 7 state football championship games.